Chicago Lock Company Locks Shop
Born in the heart of the Windy City in 1920, Chicago Lock Company revolutionized security with the 1933 debut of its legendary Ace tubular pin tumbler lock. This century-old pioneer transitioned from a local family-owned staple to a global powerhouse under CompX International, moving its manufacturing precision from Illinois to the high-tech facilities of South Carolina. Today, the brand’s expansive catalog of over 1,500 STOCK LOCKS® secures everything from high-end furniture and medical enclosures to the heavy-duty vending machines found across the globe. By blending mechanical reliability with modern electronic access, Chicago Lock continues to set the standard for safeguarding assets in the retail, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
Top Chicago Lock Company Locks
Chicago Lock Ace II Tubular Lock
This legendary high-security cylinder features a signature circular pin tumbler design that provides superior pick resistance for vending machines and high-traffic kiosks.
Chicago Lock 1700 Series Disc Tumbler Cam Lock
As a versatile staple for cabinetry and enclosures, this lock offers a reliable single-bitted mechanism with multiple rotation options to fit various furniture configurations.
CompX Chicago eLock 150 Series
This advanced electronic solution eliminates the need for physical keys by utilizing a digital keypad and proximity card reader, complete with an audit trail for secure facility management.
Chicago Lock Company blends a century of mechanical mastery with cutting-edge digital access to secure everything from the office desk to the industrial storefront.
Secure Solutions for Every Application
Precision Cam and Cabinet Locks
Engineered for seamless integration, these locks provide a rugged defense for office furniture, filing systems, and specialized enclosures.
Heavy-Duty Industrial and Vending Locks
From high-traffic vending machines to secure window fixtures, these specialized mechanisms are built to withstand both heavy use and tampering.
Advanced Electronic Access Control
The eLock series brings security into the digital age by offering keyless entry, proximity card compatibility, and detailed audit trails for sensitive environments.
Versatile Specialty Hardware
Beyond standard doors, this diverse collection includes high-security padlocks and rotary latches designed for the unique demands of RVs, motorcycles, and transit hubs.
User Experiences
Julianna Sterling “As a facility manager for a regional healthcare network, I transitioned our medication cabinets to the CompX Chicago eLock series last year, and the difference in workflow is night and day. The audit trail feature has completely eliminated the guesswork during inventory checks, and the proximity card readers allow our staff to maintain security without fumbling for physical keys during emergencies. It is rare to find hardware that feels this substantial while remaining so technologically intuitive.”
Marcus Thorne “I’ve been restoring vintage arcade cabinets and high-end office furniture for two decades, and I refuse to use anything other than Chicago cam locks for my projects. I recently installed a batch of their 1,500-series STOCK LOCKS on a custom filing project, and the 90-degree rotation is crisp, consistent, and never binds. The reliability of their disc tumbler design gives my clients peace of mind that their documents are actually protected, not just ‘latched’.”
Dominic Vance “Upgrading the security on our fleet of vending machines was a top priority after a series of break-ins, so we swapped our standard cylinders for Chicago’s Ace tubular pin tumbler locks. The anti-drill pins and the sheer weight of the metal are immediately noticeable, and we haven’t had a single successful forced entry since the transition. These locks are a testament to the fact that some designs are classics for a reason—they simply don’t fail under pressure.”
Chicago Lock Company FAQ
What makes the Ace tubular lock different from a standard house lock?
Unlike standard flat-key locks that use a linear row of pins, the Ace tubular lock uses a circular arrangement of seven or eight pins, making it significantly harder to pick and much more compact for use in machinery and cabinets.
Can I upgrade my existing mechanical cabinet locks to electronic versions?
Yes, many products in the eLock 150 series are designed with a footprint that allows them to replace standard mechanical cam locks without requiring extensive door modifications or wiring.
Are Chicago Lock products still manufactured in Chicago?
While the company maintains its historic name, manufacturing moved from Chicago in 1995; the brand is now part of CompX International and primarily operates out of high-tech facilities in Mauldin, South Carolina.
How do I identify which replacement key I need for an older Chicago lock?
Most Chicago locks have a key code stamped directly on the face of the lock cylinder or on the original key, which can be used to order precise duplicates through authorized CompX distributors.